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Swindon’s Honda plant has received a boost from leading financial services provider Forester Life, which has placed an order for 130 Swindon-built Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTECs for its corporate fleet.

Both the car and its pioneering diesel engine are made at the giant plant. Under the arrangement with Foresters, Honda (UK) has become sole fleet supplier to the London-based firm for at least the next three years, marking the return of a partnership between the two companies which began in 2003.

The recently introduced Honda Civic, powered by the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine, is fast becoming a firm fleet favourite due to its class-leading combination of fuel economy and performance.

It emits just 94g/km of CO2 with a powerful 120PS. The 1.6 i-DTEC engine is the first to be launched in Europe under Honda’s flagship Earth Dreams Technology environmental programme, which balances high fuel economy and low emissions with what Honda calls ‘dynamic performance’.

First used in the Civic hatchback, the engine is now also available in the Swindon-built CR-V and Civic Tourer models.

Foresters Group managing director Euan Allison said: “We have bought Honda Civics in the past and, after trying some other premium brands in the interim, are pleased to welcome Honda back to the Foresters fleet.

“Honda really seems to have got the Civic diesel package right for the fleet market, responding to the demands we make on a car manufacturer – the need for company tax efficiency, high mpg, low emissions and surprisingly low BIK (benefit in kind) implications. All of these factors, and the fact that the Civic is British-built, add up to a compelling fleet motoring package that exceeds our requirements.”

Honda (UK) national corporate sales manager Gail Chambers added: “As a company providing financial services products for some 135 years, Foresters clearly knows what is required to be successful in business.

“We have worked very closely with them to understand their company car requirements, and the result is this significant fleet order which further underlines the growing reputation of the new Civic as a corporate favourite.

“We are delighted to once again be working in partnership with Foresters to meet all of their driver’s needs while keeping their carbon footprint and fleet costs low.”

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